March 14, 2000

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The Maryland wrestling contingent of Rob Booth (Atco, N.J.), Mark Mansueto (West Chester, Pa.), Josh Weidman (Hershey, Pa.) and Brandon York (Gaithersburg, Md.) arrived here this afternoon ready to make a statement at the NCAA Wrestling Championships.

Beginning Thursday morning at the Kiel Center, the wrestlers will compete in the first round. Of the four sophomores, only York, a two-time ACC champion at 133 pounds, has qualified for the NCAAs. Yet the coaching staff believes that all four have the tournament experience to go far into the bracket. The toughest part of the entire event, however, is dealing with the pressure of the large crowd.

"You walk into the arena and all you can focus on are the eight mats in the center," explains head coach John McHugh. "Then, by Sunday, only one mat remains -- up on a platform -- and the matches are incredible."

McHugh himself is no stranger to the nationals, making three trips to the tournament during his Maryland career. He even reached the semifinals in his senior year, only to be pinned by an olympian after taking an early 7-3 lead.

Follow the Terps LIVE on the NCAA's Brackets.

Division I Wrestling Championship Schedule of Events

Thursday, March 16th
9 a.m.     Weigh-Ins
9:30 a.m.  Kiel Center Doors Open to General Public
11 a.m.    FIRST SESSION - Eight Mats (First Rounds)
5 p.m.     Kiel Center Doors Open to General Public
6:30 p.m.  SECOND SESSION - Eight Mats
           Wrestleback prelims, as needed, Wrestleback first rounds

Friday, March 17
9:30 a.m.  Kiel Center Doors Open to General Public
10 a.m.    Weigh-Ins
11 a.m.    THIRD SESSION - Eight Mats
           Quarterfinals on middle four mats, Wrestleback
           second- and third-rounds on outside four mats

5 p.m.     Kiel Center Doors Open to General Public
6:30 p.m.  FOURTH SESSION - Six Mats
           Semifinals on inside two mats, one weight at a time,
           Wrestleback fourth-round on outside four mats,
           Wrestleback fifth round on all six mats

Saturday, March 18th
9:30 a.m.  Kiel Center Doors Open to General Public
10 a.m.    Weigh-Ins
11 a.m.    FIFTH SESSION - Three mats
           Wrestleback semifinals on all three mats,  Medal round
           on all three mats, one weight at a time
5 p.m.     Kiel Center Doors Open to General Public
6 p.m.     Staging for Grand March
6:30 p.m.  SIXTH SESSION - One mat
           Grand March and ceremonies
7 p.m.     Competition begins followed by awards